While medical alert systems can’t prevent medical emergencies, they do make it exceptionally easy to call for help. These systems pair a small, wearable help button with a base unit or utilize an all-in-one device equipped with a panic button, speakerphone and cellular SIM card. When a medical alert subscriber activates their personal emergency response system, they’re instantly connected with an emergency call monitoring center staffed by trained operators who can dispatch help.
This guide provides an overview of MediPendant, an innovative monitored medical alert system. It has information on MediPendant pricing and monitoring plans, device features and the pros and cons of the MediPendant system.
What You Should Know About the MediPendant Medical Alert System
MediPendant is an in-home monitored medical alert system from Medical Alarm Concepts, a Pennsylvania-based medical alert company.
According to the company, MediPendant is the world’s first speakerphone-equipped wearable help button. While there are a number of similarly-equipped devices on the market, what makes MediPendant stand out is that most in-home medical alert systems use a speakerphone on a static base unit for communication with the call monitoring center. This design can make it difficult for subscribers to speak with emergency operators unless they activate their help button close to the base unit, and it’s a problem that MediPendant was designed to solve.
The MediPendant system includes a wireless, water-resistant pendant with a speaker, microphone and panic button that can be worn on a lanyard or clipped to a belt. This pendant is paired with either a landline or cellular base unit that’s compatible with most VoIP phones such as Ooma and Vonage.
When a MediPendant subscriber activates their help button within the 600-foot range of their base unit, the base unit automatically dials the MediPendant call monitoring center. An emergency operator speaks with the subscriber through the speakerphone on the pendant and dispatches a trusted friend, neighbor or first responders to the subscriber’s home.
| Feature/Service |
| Battery life |
Up to two years on standby and six hours of talk-time on pendant Up to 30 hours backup battery on base unit |
| Range between base unit and pendant |
Up to 600 feet Out-of-range notification on pendant when users exceed the range of the device |
| Call response |
All MediPendant operators are certified EMTs Service available in English and Spanish |
| Water-resistance |
Water-resistant pendant, safe for wear in the shower |
| Additional pendants |
Up to four MediPendant pendants with a single base station |
| Connectivity |
Landline or cellular base unit |
| Customizable contact list |
User-provided list of emergency contacts for phone or SMS notification when help button activated |
MediPendant Medical Alert System Plans and Pricing
MediPendant monitoring fees include use of the MediPendant hardware and unlimited calls to the emergency monitoring center.
Monitoring plans are available in packages of three, six or 12 months. The three-month plan costs $104.85, which works out to $34.95 per month, while the six-month plan costs $197.70, which is $32.95 per month.
To get the lowest possible monthly fee ($29.95), subscribers need to sign up for a prepaid annual plan at $359.40. This plan includes free shipping and use of a lockbox.
Subscribers can cancel at any time, and there are no activation fees or cancellation penalties.
MediPendant offers a 10% discount on monitoring fees for AARP members with proof of membership.
MediPendant Medical Alert System Pros and Cons
As with all medical alert systems, there’s a long list of pros and cons to consider before signing up for the MediPendant system.
MediPendant Pros
- The help button can be clipped to a belt or worn on a lanyard.
- The pendant is equipped with a speakerphone for clear two-way conversations.
- An audible alert sounds when the pendant is out of range.
- The pendant has a battery status light.
- MediPendant offers a 10% discount for AARP members.
- There are no activation or cancellation fees.
- All MediPendant operators are EMT-certified and fluent in English and Spanish.
- Operators stay on the line with the subscriber until help arrives.
- The device is easy to use and maintain.
- Cellular and landline base units are available.
- Up to four pendants can be paired with each base unit.
MediPendant Cons
- The maximum range of 600 feet between the pendant and base unit may be insufficient for some users.
- Subscribers need to replace the battery in the pendant every two years or less.
- Fall detection isn’t available.
- There’s no GPS location tracking.
- MediPendant doesn’t have mobile/on-the-go service.
- The company doesn’t offer a month-to-month subscription option.
- There’s no wrist-mounted button.
- Optional wall-mounted help buttons aren’t available.
- Plans don’t include a caregiver app.
- Monthly fees are about $10 more than some other in-home medical alert systems.
